Catholic synod: Family values and the Church

Marriage, divorce and contraception - some of the most hotly
debated issues in the Roman Catholic Church - will top the
agenda as leading Catholic clergy gather for an extraordinary
synod in Rome. Millions of Catholics around the world will be
watching closely to see what signals the Vatican is sending
about the future of family life. The synod is seen as the litmus
test for Pope Francis' papacy, which may well be judged on
the outcome.
Ahead of the synod, the BBC has spoken to four Catholic
families - in the Philippines, Brazil, Ireland and Ghana - about
how their family values relate to the teachings of the Church.
Ginggoy and Jill Lotho from the Philippines would like to see
the Church loosen its restrictions on family planning.
Gospel singer Erika Gelhardi from the Brazilian city of Rio de
Janeiro finds it difficult to talk to her children about the
Church's teachings on contraception.
Frank Brown from Ireland considered becoming a priest but
had difficulty with the requirement to remain celibate.
Louis Doe Atsiatorme from Ghana had to get a special
dispensation from the Church before he could marry a
Methodist.